Georgia Search and Rescue

To become a member of Georgia's Urban Search and Rescue Team known as GSAR, several Marietta firefighters attended five weeks of intense and skill-specific technical rescue training that included Ropes, Confined Space, Trench, and Structural Collapse. Once a firefighter completes the program, he or she qualifies to serve as a Rescue Technician for the GSAR Team. When the Georgia Mutual Aid Group or Federal Emergency Management Agency calls for the activation of GSAR, the Marietta Fire Department has agreed to release these personnel for activation.

Four Marietta Firefighters volunteered to travel to Louisiana to assist with recovery efforts after Hurricane Katrina caused widespread destruction. During the deployment, Mike Vickers, Joe Pacheco, Merv McDonald, and Blaine Whealy worked side by side with National Guard members and numerous law enforcement agencies as they dug their way through damaged buildings to search for possible victims. In all, FEMA sent 1,400 medical personnel and 1,800 Urban Search and Rescue personnel to the devastated areas of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. The teams include specialists in searching collapsed buildings, giving medical attention to injured people and animals, and providing mortuary services (CNN.com/2005/WEATHER).

Mike Vickers awaits help from other Katrina workers with rinsing
his sludge-soaked boots and pants.

The smell and heat during Katrina recovery efforts aggravated the levels of exhaustion
experienced by Merv McDonald and Mike Vickers.

Merv McDonald takes a moment to reflect during his work in the Katrina aftermath.

Blaine Whealy prepares to make entry into a pipe during Confined Space Training.